Constructed in the classical style and envisaged as a 'temple of glory', the memorial with its 52 columns resembles a Greek temple and is in fact modelled on the Parthenon in Athens. It is widely regarded as the foremost national monument in Germany. The expressive architecture guides visitors up a vast marble staircase into the Walhalla. Inside is an extensive collection of busts and plaques commemorating numerous notable personalities from German history, including Beethoven, Goethe, Kant and Bismarck.